Majors
Majors are chosen at the end of the freshman year, during which all students are required to take yearlong introductory courses in writing and public affairs: Identity and Community: An Approach to Writing (MC 111-112), and Introduction to the Study of Public Policy (MC 201-202), respectively. The first semester of Introduction to the Study of Public Affairs (MC 201) notably introduces its students to the Federalist Papers and Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America every year; together, these texts are often seen as a sort of "Madison Bible." All majors require two years of foreign language, two semesters of economics (which unlike the other requirements may be fulfilled through Advanced Placement or similar credit), and one Field Experience internship. The Field Experience requirement can be waived under some circumstances, including completing an approved Study Abroad program, having prior professional work experience, or completing a Senior Honors Thesis as part of the JMC Honors Program. Petitions for substitution of Field Experience are approved on a case-by-case basis.
All James Madison majors are known by abbreviations among members of the Madison community.
Read more about this topic: James Madison College